UN Describes 2022 as ‘Deadliest Year’ in West Bank Since 2006

An Israeli soldier at one of the main entrances to Nablus in the West Bank (EPA)
An Israeli soldier at one of the main entrances to Nablus in the West Bank (EPA)
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UN Describes 2022 as ‘Deadliest Year’ in West Bank Since 2006

An Israeli soldier at one of the main entrances to Nablus in the West Bank (EPA)
An Israeli soldier at one of the main entrances to Nablus in the West Bank (EPA)

The UN described 2022 as the "deadliest year since 2006" in the West Bank due to the continuous increase in violence.

The UN Acting Humanitarian Coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, Lucia Elmi, said that with the killing of at least 105 Palestinians, including 26 children, by the Israeli forces, 2022 has been the deadliest year since 2006, on a monthly average, for Palestinians residing in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

The UN statement documented a 57 percent increase in the monthly average of Palestinian fatalities compared to last year.

The coordinator said that since October, 15 Palestinians, including six children, have been killed by the occupation forces in search-and-arrest operations, exchange of fire, or in confrontations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, often following settler attacks or incursions into Palestinian villages.

The UN official ruled out that the victims posed a concrete or imminent threat to justify lethal force, raising concerns about the excessive use of force.

Elmi emphasized that the United Nations is concerned about increasing movement restrictions. Earlier this month, after two Israeli soldiers were shot and killed at checkpoints in Nablus and East Jerusalem, Israeli forces imposed extensive movement restrictions, limiting access of many to health care, education, and livelihoods.

"In Shu'fat refugee camp, these restrictions have largely been lifted, but they remain in place in Nablus. Huwwara, one of Nablus city's only access points, has also seen an increase in the severity and frequency of settler violence."

On Wednesday, the Israeli forces continued its blockade on Nablus for the ninth day, aiming to deter a new armed group in the city known as the "Aren al-Usud" group, which Israel accuses of being responsible for shootings around the city in the past few weeks.

Israel imposed a tight siege on Nablus, and the Israeli army tightened its grip on the main Hawara checkpoint while continuing to close other checkpoints, such as Deir Sharaf.

Israel targets Nablus and Jenin, in the northern West Bank, as a center of activity for Palestinians who carry out operations in Israel. It carries out frequent incursions into the cities, killing the most significant number of Palestinians there this year.

Israel killed 172 in all Palestinian territories this year, including 121 in the West Bank and 51 in the Gaza Strip, and injured over 800, including severe injuries to the head and chest.



Jordan Reserves Right to Down Any ‘Foreign Bodies’

 Missiles fired from Iran towards Israel are intercepted in Jordanian airspace over Amman on June 19, 2025. (AFP)
Missiles fired from Iran towards Israel are intercepted in Jordanian airspace over Amman on June 19, 2025. (AFP)
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Jordan Reserves Right to Down Any ‘Foreign Bodies’

 Missiles fired from Iran towards Israel are intercepted in Jordanian airspace over Amman on June 19, 2025. (AFP)
Missiles fired from Iran towards Israel are intercepted in Jordanian airspace over Amman on June 19, 2025. (AFP)

Jordan has been criticized on social media for “defending Israel” by downing Iranian missiles and drones that have been flying in its airspace.

Official sources stressed that the kingdom “reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and skies against any hostile bodies” regardless of whether they are fired from Iran or Israel.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, the sources dismissed the online criticism, saying such campaigns were being funded and organized by Jordan’s rivals.

They said that investigations have led to the parties responsible, but they refused to reveal them.

Meanwhile, several drones and rockets have fallen inside Jordanian territory, injuring two children in the al-Zarqa area, some 20 kms east of Amman. A house in the al-Ramtha region was also damaged by the projectiles.

The damage and injuries justify the official Jordanian position that seeks to down any foreign bodies flying over the kingdom to protect lives, said the sources.

Authorities have also received several notices of foreign bodies falling from the sky. They have been dealt with by specialized teams, revealed Jordanian security agencies.

Among the notices was a drone that fell in the Abu Nseir region north of Amman. A vehicle was damaged in the incident. No injuries were reported.

In the Zarqa region, two children were wounded by shrapnel from a foreign body.

Medical teams said they were on highest alert and readiness to tackle these incidents.

Witnesses told Asharq Al-Awsat that eastern and norther regions in the kingdom are “experiencing the war” as they can hear Jordanian defenses down missiles and drones. The noise often leaves the locals in panic.

Authorities do activate alarm systems, urging civilians to take cover, whenever foreign bodies violate the skies.